People seek professional help and enter rehabilitation programs for problematic cannabis use, a condition formally recognized by the medical community as Cannabis Use Disorder, or Marijuana Use Disorder (MUD). When cannabis use causes significant distress or impairment in daily life, professional intervention is necessary. Structured treatment addresses the impact of chronic, uncontrolled cannabis use on mental health, relationships, and responsibilities.
Defining Marijuana Use Disorder
Marijuana Use Disorder (MUD) is defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The diagnosis requires a problematic pattern of use leading to clinical impairment or distress, not just frequent use. Clinicians use a checklist of 11 possible symptoms, requiring a diagnosis to meet at least two criteria within a 12-month period.
The severity is classified based on the number of criteria met: mild (two to three symptoms), moderate (four to five symptoms), or severe (six or more symptoms). Key indicators of a developing disorder include tolerance, withdrawal, and craving. Tolerance occurs when increased amounts of cannabis are needed for the desired effect, or the same amount has a diminished effect. Withdrawal involves physical or psychological distress, such as anxiety or sleep difficulty, after stopping heavy use.
Scope of Treatment Admissions
Marijuana Use Disorder accounts for a measurable portion of substance use treatment admissions nationwide. Data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) revealed that 9.3% of all admissions to treatment facilities in 2023 were for marijuana or hashish as the primary substance of concern. This represented 123,350 admissions, though this percentage is a decrease from 11.9% reported in 2019.
For comparison, the most common primary substances cited for admissions in 2023 were alcohol (35.7%), methamphetamine (14.2%), and heroin (13.3%). The proportion of treatment admissions for marijuana contrasts sharply with the overall prevalence of the disorder: approximately 19.2 million people met the criteria for MUD in 2023. This suggests that many individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria do not seek professional help for their condition.
Behavioral Therapy Approaches
Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder primarily relies on behavioral therapies, often involving a combination of three evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques. These therapies are frequently delivered in outpatient settings, though intensive residential treatment is available for severe cases. Combining these approaches yields the best outcomes for abstinence, especially with longer treatment duration.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured approach that teaches individuals to identify situations and emotional states that trigger cannabis use. The goal is to develop effective coping strategies and alter thought patterns that maintain the cycle of use.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET helps individuals resolve ambivalence about stopping use and increases their internal motivation for change. This patient-centered approach uses nonjudgmental feedback and collaborative goal setting to help the person recognize the negative consequences of their use.
Contingency Management (CM)
CM is an adjunctive treatment that applies positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors, such as abstinence. CM programs typically provide tangible rewards, like vouchers or prizes, for submitting drug-negative urine screens. Support groups associated with rehabilitation also provide peer support and long-term relapse prevention strategies.
Contextual Factors Influencing Treatment Seeking
Several modern factors contribute to the necessity of seeking treatment for cannabis use. Contemporary cannabis products now possess significantly higher concentrations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While cannabis in the 1960s often contained less than 5% THC, today’s concentrates can reach 40% or more, increasing the risk of dependence and severe consequences. This elevated potency is linked to increased severity of the disorder and a higher risk of adverse mental health effects.
The increasing accessibility of cannabis due to legalization and commercialization has also played a role in rising rates of use and emergency department visits. Furthermore, many people seeking treatment have co-occurring mental health disorders, known as dual diagnosis. Individuals with conditions like anxiety or depression may attempt to self-medicate, complicating both the substance use disorder and the underlying mental health condition. Treatment centers prioritize an integrated approach to address both disorders simultaneously for better long-term outcomes.